Electric vehicles have become fairly popular in recent years. While rising fuel prices are a critical reason for EVs’ increased popularity, many people are actively seeking eco-friendly transportation. As a matter of fact, the Indian electric two-wheeler market is likely to reach $1.028 billion by 2028. Despite the booming market and rising popularity of electric vehicles, frequent cases of battery failures and fire outbreaks tainted the popularity of EVs. In fact, a lot of people have become even more hesitant to buy EVs.
The reason for such frequent fire incidents was not straightforward, albeit many factors were involved. Such outbreaks were due to manufacturing defects, poor quality of the battery, mishandling of battery units by consumers, thermal runaways, etc. Furthermore, EV manufacturers were using temperature-sensitive battery chemistry known as NMC. To use such batteries, there were no design measures taken to ensure that they were thermally cooled properly and that fire suppressant materials were present in those vehicles. Many manufacturers tried to cut corners to reduce costs and ensure greater battery range, leading to such fire outbreaks.
As a result, the government of India and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued new performance standards for lithium-ion batteries to safeguard consumers amid fire episodes across the country.
Here are some latest laws regarding electric scooters
After cases of electric two-wheelers catching fires, the government was compelled to form a panel to examine and devise recommendations for user safety. Based on the recommendations from the expert committee report, the AIS 156 rules were amended.
New electric scooter safety rules included changes to battery cells, battery management systems, onboard chargers, battery pack design, thermal propagation due to short circuits in internal cells, and so on. As a result, the road and transport ministry is seeking suggestions from all stakeholders for creating a safer and more environmentally friendly mobility infrastructure.
The government has been closely observing testing standards and criteria and the causes of fires in the wake of reports of fire outbreak episodes. Based on the research, the government has released electric scooter rules to ensure better EV battery cell connections and an upgrade in the venting system that disperses heat in the event of overheating. This is anticipated to advance and secure the EV ecosystem in India and advance the trend of people’s growing inclination toward clean transportation.
Final Thoughts
Electric vehicles are, in general, safe. However, recent incidents of fire outbreaks have indeed put a huge question mark on the EV industry in India. That said, manufacturers and consumers are optimistic about new rules implemented by the government. Plus, the rapidly growing popularity of electric vehicles pictures a hopeful future for the EV market.
iVOOMi Energy is manufacturing with strict adherence to safety regulations and how they are safe to use. iVOOMi also recommends certain safety measures for users like charging iVOOMi scooters/batteries with iVOOMi chargers only, operating the scooter between 30-90% of battery capacity, avoiding prolonged exposure to sunlight, avoiding pouring water on batteries and never using 84V charger to 60V battery.
